In a move rich with political symbolism, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy, DK Shivakumar, shared a carefully orchestrated breakfast meeting on Tuesday. The event, held at Shivakumar's residence in Bengaluru's Sadashivanagar, was designed to project an image of seamless camaraderie and united leadership within the state's Congress government.
A Menu Reflecting Contrasting Palates
The breakfast menu itself became a talking point, cleverly catering to the personal tastes of both leaders. The spread featured traditional Mysuru-style 'naati koli' (country chicken), a non-vegetarian favourite of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Sources revealed that the dish was personally prepared by Deputy CM Shivakumar's wife, Usha, keeping the CM's preferences in mind. Siddaramaiah himself took a keen interest, ensuring the chicken was sourced from outside Bengaluru, as he remarked that the city's farm chicken lacks flavour.
For the vegetarian Deputy Chief Minister, the menu included staples like idli and other desi-style vegetarian preparations. This culinary contrast on a single table was widely interpreted as a metaphor for the alliance between the two leaders from different political and personal backgrounds.
Public Pronouncements of Brotherhood
Following the meal, both leaders addressed the media with strong messages of unity. Siddaramaiah explicitly dismissed any rumours of internal friction, stating, "There are no differences [between us]. Shivakumar and I are united; together we run the government." He repeatedly referred to their relationship as that of "brothers," a term that has been emphasised in recent weeks. Shivakumar echoed this sentiment, labelling talk of factions within the party as "a media creation" and asserting that all Congress legislators are firmly united.
A moment of levity occurred when Siddaramaiah, referring to the country chicken on his plate, quipped to a vegetarian female journalist, "You are missing something in life."
Symbolism Beyond the Plate
The display of unity extended beyond food and words. Observers noted that both leaders were wearing strikingly similar gold-toned Cartier Santos De watches, each valued at approximately Rs 43 lakh. This sartorial coordination further fueled discussions about the meticulously planned nature of the event.
The timing of this breakfast is significant, as it comes just days before the commencement of the winter session of the Karnataka legislature in Belagavi on December 8. The meeting is widely seen as a strategic move by the party's high command to present a solid, conflict-free front and ensure a smooth session, quelling any public perception of discord at the top.
Ultimately, the 'naati koli' breakfast served as a potent political tool—a staged yet effective demonstration of solidarity aimed at reinforcing the Congress government's stability to both the public and the party rank and file ahead of a crucial legislative period.
